Queenstown earns its reputation as the adventure capital of the world. This small city on New Zealand's South Island sits along Lake Wakatipu with The Remarkables mountain range as its backdrop, and it consistently delivers more experiences than almost anywhere else in the country.
That said, what you do here depends a lot on when you visit. Summer (December–February) is the season for adrenaline, hiking, and wine tours. Winter (June–September) is all about skiing. A handful of Queenstown must-do activities run year-round regardless of season. This guide breaks it all down, so you can plan around when you're going, not just where.
1. Jump off the Kawarau Bridge
Kawarau Bridge Bungy in Queenstown
Bungy jumping in Queenstown is practically a rite of passage, and the Kawarau Bridge is where it all started. Back in 1988, AJ Hackett made the world's first commercial bungee jump from this historic bridge spanning the Kawarau River, and the spot has been drawing thrill-seekers ever since.
At 43 meters above the river, it's not the highest jump in the region, but there's something about leaping from a bridge with a crowd watching that hits differently. You can watch for free from the viewing platform, but obviously, the real Kawarau Bridge bungy experience is strapping in and going for it. Water touches are optional (but popular).
2. Ride the Shotover Jet through the canyon
Thrilling Shotover Jet experience
Jet boating in Queenstown is another one of those non-negotiables. The Shotover Jet is the original and still the most iconic option, a 25-minute ride through the narrow Shotover Canyon at speeds up to 85km/h, with 360-degree spins thrown in for good measure. The canyon walls get close enough to make your stomach drop even if you've done it before.
It’s open year-round and works well whether you want adventure or something more relaxed. The drive up to the boarding point is scenic on its own, the canyon setting does a lot of the work before the boat even starts.
3. Take the Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak
Skyline Gondola | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Queenstown gondola is the most effortless way to get a full panoramic view of the city, Lake Wakatipu, and The Remarkables all at once. The Skyline complex at the top of Bob's Peak sits at 790 meters and has more going on than you'd expect; there's a restaurant, a luge track, an observatory, and several walking trails. You can easily spend two to three hours up here.
The gondola itself is a 730-meter cable car ride and one of the steepest in the Southern Hemisphere. Going at golden hour or after dark gives you a completely different perspective on the city.
4. Do the Milford Sound day trip
Milford Sound cruise
A day trip to Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) from Queenstown is one of the most impressive things you can do in New Zealand. The fiord is inside Fiordland National Park and is famous for its sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and remarkably still water that mirrors everything above it.
The drive from Queenstown takes around three hours each way, so most people opt for a guided coach and cruise combination. It's a long day, expect 12+ hours, but the scenery along the Milford Road makes the journey part of the experience. Rainy days are actually great for visiting; the waterfalls multiply dramatically after rain.
Book a Milford Sound day tour and cruise from Queenstown to make the most of the trip with a guided experience.
5. Hike to the top of Ben Lomond
Hike to Ben Lomond | Photo Credit: Flickr
The Ben Lomond hike in Queenstown is the most rewarding walk in the area with breathtaking views. The summit sits at 1,748 meters and offers an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of the surrounding lakes, valleys, and peaks.
On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Aspiring. The full return hike is around 11km and takes most people 5–7 hours, with a significant elevation gain that makes it genuinely challenging.
You can take the gondola to Skyline to cut off the first steep section, which most hikers do. Start early in the morning; the ridge above the treeline is fully exposed, and afternoon clouds often roll in. This one is strictly a warm-weather activity, typically accessible from November through April.
Klook Tip: Check the weather carefully before heading up, even in summer, conditions on the ridge can change quickly. Layers, snacks, and a full water bottle are non-negotiable.
6. Explore Gibbston Valley wine country
Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley
Queenstown sits on the edge of one of New Zealand's most exciting wine regions, and a Gibbston Valley wine tour is easily one of the most enjoyable half-days you can spend here. The valley produces some exceptional Pinot Noir, the region’s climate and soil give its wines a distinctive taste.
Several wineries are within a 20-minute drive from town, including Gibbston Valley Winery, which has a cave cellar carved directly into the mountainside. Guided tours usually include multiple stops with tastings, a vineyard lunch, and background on the region's winemaking history.
7. Go skydiving over the Southern Alps
Thrilling skydiving experience in Queenstown
The views from the Queenstown gondola are impressive. The views from 15,000 feet above it are something else entirely. The Skydiving experience by NZONE gives you a tandem freefall with the full Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding valleys laid out beneath you. On a clear day, it's genuinely one of the most spectacular skydives you can do anywhere in the world.
Nzone Skydive is the main operator and one of the most established in New Zealand. Jumps are weather-dependent, so flexibility in your schedule helps. This is primarily a summer and shoulder-season activity; weather windows in winter are much tighter.
8. Day trip to Arrowtown and Glenorchy
Breathtaking views of Arrowtown
Just 20km from Queenstown, Arrowtown is one of the best-preserved gold rush towns in New Zealand. The main street is lined with stone buildings and autumnal trees (spectacular in April–May), and the old Chinese settlement at the edge of town gives real context to the region's history. It works well as an easy half-day and pairs well with a stop at one of the local cafes or the Lakes District Museum.
Glenorchy, on the other end of the lake, has a completely different vibe: quiet, wild, and surrounded by mountains. The 45-minute drive along the lake from Queenstown is one of the most scenic roads in the country. A Glenorchy and Arrowtown day tour covers both efficiently.
9. Ski Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
Skiing in Coronet Peak
Skiing in Queenstown is its own category entirely. The two main ski fields closest to town are Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, and between them, they cover beginner terrain, challenging groomed runs, and everything in between.
❄️ Klook Tip: The Queenstown ski season runs from approximately June to late September, with July and August the busiest and most reliable months for snow
Coronet Peak is closer to town (20 minutes) and has beginner ski lessons you can take! The Remarkables sits at a higher elevation with a more dramatic setting and tends to hold snow coverage later in the season. Both resorts offer ski hire, lessons, and day passes.
Planning to hit the slopes? This Remarkables Ski Pass & Transport Bundle makes it easy to enjoy one of Queenstown’s most popular ski fields without worrying about transfers.
10. Grab a Fergburger
The iconic Fergburger in Queensland | Photo Credit: Flickr
Fergburger is Queenstown's most famous food institution, and while it might seem strange to list a burger joint among the Queenstown must-do activities, anyone who's been here will understand. The burgers are enormous, the ingredients are locally sourced, and the queues can snake out the door at peak times, but it's worth it.
Order the Ferg (classic beef) or the Big Al (double) and eat it somewhere near the lakefront. The restaurant is open from 8am until 5am, which means it also functions as the unofficial post-bar food stop for the town. It's one of those simple experiences that somehow sticks with you.
Klook Tip: Visit between 10am–11:30am or 2:30pm–4:30pm to dodge the longest queues. The wait is usually much shorter during these windows.
FAQs about Queenstown must-do activities
What is Queenstown most famous for?
Queenstown is best known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. It’s famous for bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and skiing, as well as its stunning setting beside Lake Wakatipu. The scenery alone is a big reason people visit.
What is the most popular activity in Queenstown?
Bungy jumping and jet boating are among the most popular activities, especially for first-time visitors. The Shotover Jet and Kawarau Bridge Bungy are iconic experiences. The Skyline Gondola is also a favourite thanks to its panoramic views.
How many days do you need in Queenstown to see everything?
Most visitors spend 3–5 days in Queenstown. This gives you enough time for the main attractions, plus a day trip to Milford Sound. Add an extra day if you plan to ski or join a wine tour.
What can you do in Queenstown that is free?
There are lots of free activities in Queenstown. Walk through the Queenstown Gardens, stroll along the lakefront, or hike sections of the Frankton Track. You can also visit nearby Arrowtown and explore its historic streets at no cost.
What is the best time of year to visit Queenstown for activities?
Summer (December–February) is best for hiking, adventure sports, and wine tours. Winter (June–September) is ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Autumn offers colourful foliage and fewer crowds, while spring is a quieter time with mild weather.
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